Gender equality in the EU’s digital and media sectors

Summary:

As the 'digital revolution' expands into more areas of our lives, from the way we work, to how we consume, look after our health, learn and take part in politics, it is increasingly clear that this is not just a purely technical – or economic – process, but also a social one, and one which is not gender-neutral.

Analysis of the risks and benefits finds that new information and communication technologies can be a gateway for women and girls to access new opportunities, means of expression and participation, and a powerful tool for advancing gender equality. On the other hand, if access is unequal, if algorithms or content available online are gender biased or do not reflect women’s needs and realities, or if women themselves are not involved in shaping that content, digitalisation can reinforce existing gender inequalities. It can also create new risks and barriers, not least the colonisation of online spaces by misogyny and cyber-violence.

Commentary and Analysis

EPRS: At a Glance, March 2018: Gender equality in the media and digital sectors https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2018)614732

EPRS: At a Glance, April 2018: Gender equality in the media and digital sectors https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document.html?reference=EPRS_ATA(2018)620204

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